[Squaredancing] Discussion on the National in Charlotte

[Heinz D. Trost]

Bill,


> Heinz -- The minimum wage here in the States, as of 24 Jul 2007, will be 
> $5.85 per hour.  Add to that FICA and Medicare taxes (6.20% & 1.45% 
> respectively) and the actual minimum wage is more like $6.30.  It's true 
> some people are earning minimum wage, but not most like I said.   

oops, that's interesting.

>  
> Occupations here that depend on gratuities are exempt from minimum wage 
> requirements

I know that when minimum wage was at $ 4.55 e.g. room maids got paid 
just about  $ 2.50/hour and have to hope that they'd get tipped by the 
guest.


> unlike Germany.

In Germany we don't have any minimum wage.


>  It's customary now to tip anywhere from 
> 15% to 20%, at least in this area of Florida.

yes, travel guides for the USA recommend that for tip the tourist should 
  double the tax.


> It is not unknown for 
> waiters/waitresses to earn from $200 - $400 a night in tips during the 
> prime tourist season. Here in northwest Florida, between Pensacola and 
> Panama City, the unemployment rate is about 2.5% so even burger-flippers 
> at Mickey-D's and Wendy's start out making between $7.50 - $8.50 per hour.

Maybe I should try to get a green card for the USA...

But first I'll try to finish the quality management class which I 
actually attend, pass the exams and get the certificates as 
"Business-Manager Quality" and "Business-Manager Quality Excellence", too,-

and I also try to get back my old skills in square- and round dancing, too.

Heinz